In the initial efforts to launch our Go Make Disciples evangelizing initiative, the word, “kerygma” comes up often.
Meaning “proclamation” in the original Greek, the kerygma is the essence of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ distilled to its shining essence.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Simon Peter stands up on Pentecost morning, addresses the assembled crowd, and proclaims that this Jesus, whom they crucified, God has made both Lord and Savior.
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The fourth part of the Kerygma is giving witness to the saving love of the Lord to others, to go forth as missionary disciples.
Too often as Catholics, we have quietly and individually lived out our faith, but seldom have we equipped believers to share that faith with those around them.
Believers focus on their relationship with God; missionary disciples help others grow their own spirituality. Believers embrace a deep prayer life which is seldom shared with other people; missionary disciples boldly and joyously pray with others out loud and speak of their love for Christ.
Any pastoral renewal seeks to help our leaders and people grow in their understanding and practice of missionary discipleship. We can look at missionary discipleship through the lens of Jesus’ two commands, “Follow me” and “Go forth.”
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The kerygma also reminds us of other key Scriptural figures — Peter standing up in the streets of Jerusalem on the feast of Pentecost to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus for the first time; Paul preaching the meaning of faith in Jesus as Lord and Messiah, and his letters as thoughtfully theological follow-ups to the kerygma.
The task of every vocation in the Church, from those in Holy Orders to the Religious to the lay faithful, is to proclaim the Gospel. This mission is the fundamental purpose of the Body of Christ.
Advent is a significant moment for us to go back to the basics of our faith. Who is Jesus for us? How have we experienced him? How do I grow in my relationship with the Lord? How do I better proclaim the love, mercy, and forgiveness that I have experienced flowing from his merciful heart?
